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Archie James Twitchell
Archie James Twitchell
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Archie Twitchell Obituary
He served as city manager of three cities: Grants Pass, OR, Medford, OR and Boulder CO. He played a significant role in the development of the Boulder Downtown Mall (1976) which the Wall Street Journal described as one of the two best in the United States.
He benefited greatly from attending excellent colleges and Universities: Colby BA 1958, the University of Denver MPA 1961 and the University of Southern California, DPA 1985. Working on a doctorate at USC was a wonderful learning experience. He taught graduate students in Europe for the University of Maryland from 1992-2001. As program director for the MPA program in Heidelberg Germany, having the rare experience of participating with the other program directors in a team where all were interchangeable parts. Having utter confidence that another program director would make exactly the right decision for you in your absence was an extremely rare experience.
In keeping with Archies wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
Cremation arrangements have been made by Cremation Society of Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to donate to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Hilda Challender
August 11, 2025
My condolences on the passing of Dr. Twitchell - one of the most inspiring professors I had during my masters degree program with Bowie State University Global campus in Germany.
I'm forever grateful for his kind wound encouragement during my study.
You are missed Dr. Twitchell.
Hilda Challender
Alexander Boeringa
December 18, 2024
We first met when I moved into a building he was already living in, and he welcomed me and offered me any help I might need. Two hours later we were still standing in the hallway talking and discovering how much we had in common. From then on we frequently wandered on long pathways along the river and through the extensive forests surrounding us, talking and occasionally stopping for a beer when we passed through towns. Among other things I learned from him it was never to judge another too harshly; he always found some good, and something to like in everyone.
Valerie Mock
March 27, 2024
Archie was a true gentleman, a good friend, a wise counselor, and a mainstay of the Graduate Programs of UMUC-Europe for many years as both Academic Director and Program Director of the Public Administration Program. With his successful experiences as a city manager, he brought real world knowledge and informative anecdotes to his students. He was one of those people who always seemed to be smiling and really liked being around people. I can remember a couple of times when he planned excursions to unusual historic places as a group outing for UMUC HQ, including perhaps, the Maginot Line, Metz, and a fortress in Northern France. We all benefitted from knowing him. Thanks, Archie for being you.
Rowena Carolyn twithchell lerch
March 26, 2024
Irene, I´m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for taking such great care of this glowing man. As cousins , we didn´t connect in life often but I remember looking him up in Grants Pass when he was mayor ,I believe. It was great to see him and so proud of his success there. Then in Fla when we all came together in a restaurant where I first met you ,Irene. A handsome couple I thot! So very special to have this mini reunion . Rest in peace, dear cousin. Rowena Carolyn Twitchell lerch
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Robert
March 24, 2024
Dr. Twitchell was my professor for my online Masters Degree Program. I took the courses while working as a contract Firefighter in Basrah Iraq. Nightly studies with helmet, flack vest and taking mortars at my computer desk. After failing the second portion of the final exam I was ready to give up thinking I had nothing more knowledge wise to give. Dr Twitchell convinced me that I could succeed if I just buckled down and followed his advice to study the authors theories and try to apply them to everyday life. Well it worked and after several months of study I passed the second time and got my Masters Degree. I needed someone to have faith in me during that difficult time in my life and there he was. In person, we have never met. I needed a friend and there he was. I could never call him Archie. I would always refer to him as Dr. Twitchell, my mentor, my friend and over the tears we would send tid-bits over email together. I recall his joy when he met and fell in love with his wife Irene. I have never met Irene either. But, hopefully someday I will. We don't always need to be present to be friends, sometimes spiritual friendships are just as fulfilling. I hope Dr. Twitchells spirit is soaring with his favorite authors and with those whom loved loved him dearly. RIP my beloved teacher.
Pat Hart
March 24, 2024
Archie was a fun bridge partner. He managed to impart his vast knowledge of the game to me in such a pleasant manner. I will miss that twinkle in his eye as he always made his bid or set his opponents. Archie also loved to share his wisdom and life lessons. What a charming gentleman.
John and Robin Caloggero
March 24, 2024
Uncle Arch always enjoyed time with his family. At the dinner table there was always great conversations. I remember our trip to Portsmouth with Mom, Archie and Irene. It was a great day spending with family. Thank you Irene for taking such great care of Uncle Archie.
Love
John and Robin
Juanita Sullivan
March 23, 2024
Archie was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed conversations with him about history, his travels and his philosophy of life in general. He tried not to complain or show his pain just show that wonderful smile he had. So thankful for all the great memories we shared together and grateful for the love of his wife my sister Irene. He will be forever missed.
Chloe Langham
March 23, 2024
Archie wrote here about Victor Frankl and his philosophy on life. Victor Frankl was an Austrian psychiatrist who wrote one of my favorite quotes, "Love goes very far beyond the physical person of the beloved. It finds its deepest meaning in his spiritual being, his inner self. Whether or not he is still alive at all, ceases somehow to be of importance." It makes me think about how you can still feel the love from a person and the impact of their effect on your life after they are gone. I will always remember talking to Archie about the books I was reading as a child, anyone who spoke to him could tell how intelligent he was and how much he valued the gift of learning. Talking to Archie always made me want to learn more. Archie will be so missed.
Alexander Boeringa
March 23, 2024
Archie and I both taught for the University of Maryland in Germany and were neighbors. The first time we met, we talked for hours, and from then on, we were close friends. We were often companions on European travels, long walks, and deep conversations. More recently, this friendship included our companions, and we enjoyed meeting on Zoom. As I count my closest friends in life, even from the beginning, Archie was always at the top of the list.
Jeri Downey
March 22, 2024
Archie loved life , He was such a smart man. He loved his family and was so proud of his children, he loved his wife fiercely! He enjoyed sharing things he had learned over the years as an educator and throughout his travels! He was always positive even tho he suffered a lot the last few years he didn´t complain . We will miss him very much !
Margie Bradford
March 22, 2024
Archie was a remarkable person,, intelligent and witty. I was fortunate enough to be part of a bridge foursome with him, where he dispensed bridge lessons along with the play. We will all miss his wit, wisdom and charm . Margie Bradford
Jr and Tina Thompson
March 22, 2024
Archie was a very intelligent person with a big heart and wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed by the Thompson family. Prayers to his love, our sister, Irene.
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